Discover Faiyum Oasis – Egypt’s Hidden Desert Paradise

Fayoum Oasis lies less than two hours southwest of Cairo and remains one of Egypt’s hidden treasures. Made up of many lakes and canals, this sprawling region makes an excellent weekend or day trip destination to escape city life.

 

Faiyum oasis

Faiyum Oasis in Egypt’s Eastern Desert region offers travelers an enchanting natural wonders experience that cannot be rivaled elsewhere in Egypt. In this article, we intend to provide every traveler with all necessary facts about Faiyum Oasis to enhance your journey here. This article has been prepared by an exceptionally qualified group of tour operators, tour guides and travel consultants with expert knowledge about Faiyum Oasis.

 

Faiyum Oasis is well known as both Egypt’s sole artificial oasis and one of its most captivating natural spots, dating all the way back to ancient Egyptian Shedet – its original name! Greek speakers called it Koine Greek or Crocodile City while Romans used Arsinoe. Joseph used Joseph’s Canal during biblical times.

Best Things to do in Faiyum City

WADI HITAN NATIONAL PARK

Thought visiting tombs and temples 5,000 years old was antiquities? Think again – Wadi Al-Hitan in Wadi Az-Hitan near Cairo offers visitors a glimpse into 40 million-year old whale evolution.

Wadi Al-Hitan, 150 miles southwest of Cairo is an incredible UNESCO heritage site which holds remnants from the Tethys Sea when Egypt was covered with water where sea cows, crocodiles, turtles, as well as whales roamed freely! But its most outstanding feature lies within its walls: whale evolution.

WATERWHEELS IN FAYOUM

Fayoum’s waterwheels are among the most captivating historical landmarks, boasting over 200 wooden wheels lining canals in Fayoum alone and powered by fast-flowing canal waters; introduced during Ptolemaic times they still continue to operate today!

Visit the Hawara Pyramid

Hawara Pyramid (better known as Amenemhat III’s Pyramid) in Faiyum should definitely be on any visitor’s itinerary for Faiyum and should be added as one of many things to do there. This impressive pyramid dates to Egypt’s 12th dynasty and stands as an impressive example of ancient Egyptian architecture; constructed by Pharaoh Amenemhat in the 19th century.

 

Discovering Faiyum’s Hawara Pyramid will allow visitors to gain an intimate perspective into ancient Egyptian culture, witness its architectural achievements first-hand, and experience first-hand an intriguing civilization that continues to fascinate and excite today. Take in the remains of Hawara Pyramid’s limestone casing while envisioning its grandeur from ancient times. Plan your visit when visiting Faiyum with an expert guide, or enjoy quiet contemplative time among these ancient relics on your own.

Visit the Karanis Archaeological Site

History enthusiasts will delight in visiting Karanis, an archaeological site dating from the Greco-Roman era and one of Faiyum’s top attractions.

Attractively preserved structures at Karanis include houses, baths, temples and intricate mosaics which provide deep insights into life of its former residents.

Relax at the Lake Qarun

Lake Qarun or Moeris is an idyllic saltwater lake found within Egypt’s al fayoum Governorate. Exploring this hidden oasis promises an immersive journey filled with picturesque landscapes, abundant biodiversity, historical relevance and moments of relaxation and discovery – ideal additions to Egypt traveler’s to-do lists.

MADINET MADI TEMPLE

Madinet Madi or The City of the Past, is widely recognized as being among the most significant ancient sites in Faiyum.

It features an important Middle Kingdom temple constructed during Amunmehet III’s 12th Dynasty reign devoted to Renenutet or Renenuttese as Renenutet was known in those times, while during Ptolemaic times expansion took place expanding further on its original purpose.

Tunis Village at Faiyum Egypt

Tunis Village offers an idyllic and culturally vibrant experience near Luxor that makes an excellent honeymoon stopover in Egypt. A tour through Tunis Village allows visitors to gain insights into traditional Egyptian village life as they discover an authentic Egyptian community and witness life there first hand.

Experience Exciting Outdoor Adventures in Faiyum, Egypt

Faiyum in Egypt provides travelers seeking outdoor thrills and cultural exploration with an impressive variety of adventure activities. This beautiful desert oasis includes two lakes formed by ancient waterfalls; nature lovers will especially love hiking along its surrounding cliffs or swimming in one of two beautiful lakes here.

Start Exploring Faiyum Cuisine Explore Local Cuisine

A culinary journey in Faiyum, Egypt can provide an incredible opportunity to discover local flavors, and traditional cuisine and explore Egypt’s culinary heritage. Experience unique Egyptian fare at top-rated restaurants specific to Faiyum region.

Shop at El Faiyum Egypt

Egypt provides visitors with an insight into its rich artisanal traditions and vibrant marketplaces that define Faiyum’s distinct cultural identity while experiencing the shopping scene in Faiyum. From traditional crafts, local products or authentic souvenirs – there’s plenty to discover during your shopping adventures in Faiyum.

Is Faiyum Oasis Worth the Visit?

 

What sets Fayoum apart?

Fayoum is an immense depression with a great lake in its center known as Birkat Qaroun (Lake Qaroun). This water source comes from ancient canalized branches of the Nile that later formed Bahr Youssef; then split off further to become secondary canals.

Are You Able to Swim in Fayoum?

Fayoum Lake has long been popular as a bathing resort among its local inhabitants and swimming season runs year-round, although due to the cooler climate between January and April, swimming is not recommended.